Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources said it will prepare 3 million hectare of land for cultivation through small-scale irrigation development this Ethiopian fiscal year.
This was disclosed at the opening of a six-day training program organized by Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Ministry Small-scale Irrigation Development Director, Elias Awol said preparation for the irrigation development will be finalized this week.
The current irrigation coverage has benefitted 7 million households by irrigating 2.8 million hectares, he added.
He stressed on the importance of putting primary attention on efforts of capacity building, adoption of water technologies and research activities for the sustainability of irrigation development.
Agriculture and Natural Resources State minister, Dr. Kaba Urgessa said Africans are dependent on farming for their livelihoods, creating economic opportunities, to avail nutritious food and to reduce poverty.
There are good opportunities in our countries to address smallholder farmers in a sustainable way, like workable policies and strategies, ample land and water resources and favorable climatic conditions, he added.
According to him, various efforts have been made to support smallholder farmers to assure sustainable food security and increase exporting earnings.
KOICA Country Director, Doh Young Ah said on her part the training will create capacity on rural development, irrigation, and development issues.
The Country Director pointed out that Korea’s support strategy for Ethiopia is based on the country's GTP II Agriculture and Rural Transformation Plan.
Korea’s support will take an integrated approach, encompassing basic rural infrastructure development, she added.
The trainees are from Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda.